Rashid Khan, Ben Stokes and Yuzvendra Chahal feature in IPL 2018 Money Team

Ajit Vijaykumar 00:16 22/01/2018
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  • The IPL released the list of 578 players who will be part of the player auction on January 27-28, with some of the finest Indian and international names queuing up to enhance their overall game and also their bank account.

    It is difficult to predict which players will end up as the most expensive as the auction has been structured in such a way that some of the more sought after players like Rashid Khan (61st on the list) and Krunal Pandya (85) will come up later in the auction.

    Here is a line-up featuring players who are likely to get top dollars next weekend.

    Names have been picked keeping in mind playing positions and also the stipulation that an IPL team can only have four foreign players has been done away with.

    OPENERS

    Colin Munro: The New Zealand opener is the only player to hit three international T20 centuries. Has a strike rate of 161 in T20 internationals and 147 in 154 T20 games. One of his T20 tons came against India in November.

    Shikhar Dhawan: The India opener was in top form in the last two editions scoring 501 runs in 2016 and 479 last year. His phenomenal record in the subcontinent last year in all formats makes him an attractive choice.

    MIDDLE ORDER

    Chris Lynn: Arguably the most valuable T20 batsman on the planet. However, just recently recovered from a spate of injuries, including one to his shoulder. If fit, will be worth his weight in gold.

    KL Rahul: A top-class batsman who can play anywhere in the line-up and can keep wickets as well. Has a fine T20 record in 65 matches, averaging 33 with a strike rate of nearly 130.

    Jos Buttler (wk): The Englishman has hit top form at the perfect time, hitting an ODI series winning ton against the Aussies and back-to-back fifties in the Big Bash League. All within the space of one month.

    ALL-ROUNDERS

    Ben Stokes: Even with uncertainty over the England all-rounder’s availability for the entire duration of the IPL due to his ongoing court case, Stokes is expected to be the most sought after player following his stupendous return last year – 316 runs and 12 wickets from 12 games.

    Krunal Pandya: An uncapped all-rounder every franchise has an eye on. Was man of the match in the final last year as he helped Mumbai Indians win the title by one run. His left-arm spin and power hitting down the order make him a perfect fit in any side.

    SPINNERS

    Yuzvendra Chahal: The leg-spinner has come up leaps and bounds at the highest level. Took 6-25 against England at the start of last year and finished it with two four-wicket hauls against the Sri Lankans in T20s. Perfect for Indian conditions.

    Rashid Khan: The Afghan leggie is by far the most sought after spinner in the world. Took 17 wickets from 14 matches last IPL at an economy of 6.6. Don’t get many better than the 19-year-old.

    FAST BOWLERS

    Mitchell Starc: The Aussies has pace, swing and is a decent bat. Played in only two editions but was brilliant in 2015, picking up 20 wickets in 13 matches at an economy of 6.7. Stayed away from IPL last year to preserve his body.

    Kagiso Rabada: Arguably the best fast bowler in the world at the moment. The South African has been pretty much unplayable in all formats. Has a respectable T20 economy of 7.5 from 44 games. Went for $750,000 last year.

    BENCH: Jofra Archer, Glenn Maxwell, Quinton de Kock, Pat Cummins, Ravi Ashwin

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